Letter of the Day | West Indies have found a gem in Shamar Joseph

THE EDITOR, Madam:

West Indies has found a gem, one who could become the frontline fast bowler for West Indies for the next decade: Guyana’s Shamar Joseph.

Joseph has many of the attributes we have historically associated with great West Indian fast bowlers. He is quick, strong, fearless and full of passion. He made a mark against Australia and, more recently, made batsmen in the Caribbean Premier League uncomfortable. What continues to stand out is his ability to produce when his team needs him most.

Nothing demonstrated that better than his performance at the Gabba in 2024, where Joseph took 7 for 68 in the second innings, despite bowling with an injured toe, to lead West Indies to an eight-run victory over Australia. It was West Indies’ first Test victory in Australia since 1997.

Joseph later took 5 for 33 against South Africa in Test cricket. Remarkably, he would record the exact same figures against Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 International, further demonstrating that his wicket-taking ability can translate across formats.

In a match against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, he bowled with incredible pace and control, taking 3 for 22 while reaching speeds around 150 kilometres per hour. There was a confidence about his bowling that kept batsmen guessing.

Joseph has also shown his ability with the bat, particularly his willingness to play positively and strike the ball cleanly. He is certainly a bowler first but, with the right development, there is potential for him to become a valuable lower-order contributor and perhaps, eventually, a crucial all-round option for West Indies.

Fast bowlers who consistently operate at Joseph’s pace place tremendous strain on their bodies. With international cricket across three formats and lucrative franchise leagues around the world, there will always be another match and another opportunity to play.

If West Indies is serious about rebuilding cricketing glory, it must also become serious about protecting the players who could lead that resurgence. That means managing Joseph’s workload carefully, investing in his fitness and recovery, and resisting the temptation to play him everywhere simply because he is available.

West Indies cricket has spent years searching for signs that better days may be ahead. In Shamar Joseph, there is one. The challenge now is making sure it has him for the long haul.

JOHNOY DAVIS